Health News May 13, 2009

Can You Vaccinate Against Recession Depression?, By Therese Griffin Hicks, RN, DC, FIACA

Your Body, Your Health, Your Choice!: It’s everywhere, you know, the gloom and doom of the economy. All you see and hear these days is how bad it is and how "bad" it's going to get. The fact is, the world's entire economy and resources are shifting, not just in America. The wealth in the world is leveling off a bit and no one will feel it more than we Americans will for a while. What's important is that you not lose sight of your life and of reality. The sun will rise tomorrow and we will all make it to the next wave of prosperity. The question is what kind of health will we have when we get there? If you’re living in fear and with a "pending doom" mentality, you're pouring your health and vitality right down the drain! STOP IT NOW! Get outside, take a break, and turn off the TV/radio. Lighten up and keep it in perspective! Take note of our changing economic climate but don’t let it ruin your day or ruin your life! Besides, if we are all walking around with this negativity hanging around us, don't you think we are breeding more negativity? Consider this a gift that will help us shift our appreciation to the simple and truly valuable things in our lives. Like our health, for example. All the money in the world can't make up for poor health. This is a time more than ever that we would do well to prioritize healthful lifestyle habits. Like eating freshly prepared foods at home with pleasant company. Increasing pleasurable exercise is a free and positive gift for yourself and that companion you con into being active with you. That takes care of the prescription for spending quality time with friends and loved ones that isn’t focused on the doom and gloom in the news. Prioritize some of your funds for the nutritional supplements you most need for your particular health challenges. See your Wellness Doctor for recommendations for any helpful Acupuncture, Detoxification, or Chiropractic treatments that may keep you on top of your physical game. Staying healthy is much much cheaper than letting yourself fall apart and then needing expensive drugs or surgeries. It is not only a fi nancially wise investment, rather the emotional depression that accompanies physical depletion, pain or illness creates a real physical "recession" that can take a huge toll. Caring for yourself is not a luxury and its not selfish…it's the gift you give those who count on you…even if you don't believe you're worth it.

Meet Mike Termain, By Janet Trimble Gila Community College Wellness Center Facilitator

You may already know Mike; he was born and raised in Globe. Mike and wife JoAnn are long time Globe residents and have been working out at the Wellness Center since it opened. After completing his education at NAU, Mike came home and taught math at Globe Junior High School . He also served as an administrator and athletic director for Globe High School . As the football and part-time basketball and baseball coach, Mike worked out with his team, running three to four miles a day, lifting weights, and staying generally involved in physical fi tness… then he retired. In the early 2000’s Mike was diagnosed with a serious illness that required major surgery. During his recovery, he began walking and slowly building back to a routine of regular exercise. Today Mike works out 5 days a week, lifting weights 3 days and does some type of cardiovascular exercise every day. He took a suggestion from his son, currently serving in the US Army and tried the principles of "Body For Life" designed by Bill Phillips. The program has worked well for him. Mike says the combination of structured exercise and sensible diet has been not only benefi - cial but relatively easy to follow. He also feels more energetic, his muscles are strong, and his joints are flexible. Mike talks about teaching with fondness for his students and athletes. I asked him about his relationship with what I consider a tough age for kids. He told me that his tenure as a teacher was a gift that he will always be grateful for. He says teenagers are great…I suspect he received a great deal of respect because he treated them with respect as well. Mike’s the kind of guy that’s fun to talk with. He has a keen interest in health and is open-minded about holistic and alternative medicine. We've had many informative conversations about remedies…old and new ways to treat ailments. He shared with me about using a netipot to keep sinuses open and healthy. He takes omega 3 vitamins, asparagus, apple cider vinegar, and is conscientious about eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Mike enjoys good health today. He has yearly checkups, pays attention to the food he eats, and is committed to daily exercise. He’s a perfect example of taking responsibility for his health and well-being. Thank you, Mike, for sharing your story with us.

2009 NIHB Native Public Health Summer Fellowship

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) believes in the importance of building the public health workforce, where American Indians and Alaska Natives have the capacity to address the health needs of their own communities. Committed to this goal, NIHB has partnered with the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and the Minority Health Professions Foundation to implement the second year of the NIHB Public Health Summer Fellowship Program for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/ AN) students. The program is designed to introduce and expose AI/AN students to public health careers. The NIHB Public Health Summer Fellowship is directed toward rising junior and senior undergraduate Natives. Students are selected based on criteria of: GPA, Statement of Interest (student essay), Recommendations, and Leadership ability and skills by a review panel.

Domestic Violence Support Group Every Week

If you or someone you know is being abused, you can help! This group is for EVERYONE! Abuse has no prejudice... Women, Men and Children all experience abuse! Abuse can be PHYSICAL,VERB AL,EMOTIONAL,SEXUAL or ECONOMICAL. You are responsible for your own life and your right to be happy...take charge of it! A woman leaves her abuser 7-11 times before she leaves for good---don't be a statistic. Wednesday! EVERY WEEK 2:00 PM free Childcare! Divine Grace Presbyterian Church, 305 Live Oak St., parking lot on east side of building THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE Confi dential. You are NOT ALONE! If you need us, call the safe home at 928-402-0648.

National Women's Health Week

In Honor of National Women's Health Week and Hospital Week, the Eastern Arizona Health Education Center is sponsoring a "Cafe Conversation" event. The location for this event is 5860 S. Hospital Road, Globe(next to the hospital) It takes place in the Hospital Cafe on May 13, from 6-8pm. Leaders in the Globe/Miami Area will come together for a fi rst "Cafe' Conversation" event. The topic for discussion is "Community Culture of Wellness". Best thinking and best practices for women's health outcomes will allow for identification of what is already a success in the community, what challenges are faced, and what action steps can be taken to encourage even greater results for women's health and wellness. If you would like to participate in this activity, and you have not received an invitation, or you would like more information about this program, please call: Holly Crump at 928-474-3472.